Lifesaver near London

Stressed out Londoners can jump on a train at Liverpool Street and be in Lifehouse in just over an hour. Who needs glamorous overseas villa holidays when we have this on our doorstep? In Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, a ten-minute drive from the pretty beach town of Frinton-on-sea, the Lifehouse opened in December 2010 to the tune of £30 million. The modern, simple buildings and 130 acres of grounds, including 12 acres of magnificent listed gardens, form an extensive holistic retreat.

I was greeted by an effervescent young trainer, Shelley who enthusiastically reeled off a list of activities from acupuncture and boot camp to Zumba. I did a very enjoyable Vinyasa session in the dedicated yoga and pilates room, with the radiant Jocelyn, who also advises guests about raw foods.

Lifehouse’s signature treatment, the Oriental Bathing Experience, is inspired by traditional bathhouses in the east. During a sensory two-hour session I was taken on a journey through Asian cultures. My therapist began by gently pouring milk bath laced with ginseng, green tea and gingko from a ladle made with coconut over my feet, explaining that this is both grounding and a sign of respect. After tapping my feet with a wooden stick as part of a traditional Thai ritual, she swaddled them in white nappy-like towels.

I walked on a stone circle breathing in Moroccan rose oil, which was wonderfully meditative, and was scrubbed down in a Japanese bathhouse. The experience ended with a Japanese tea ceremony and a blissful hot stone massage. After just two days I tripped back to Liverpool Street Station feeling as if I had been away for a week.

The full article appears in Yoga Magazine in July.

Travel Diaries

Holly Jones is an enthusiastic would-be travel writer who writes a travel blog (http://hjtraveldiaries.blogspot.com). Holly is about to travel the world on her gap year and got in touch with me to ask my advice about Thailand. My AA Spiral guide to Thailand is available on Amazon.

Travel writing as a career would be a dream for me. Getting to travel, write about about the travels and then paid for it - yes please! Although I'm sure there's a tad more hard work involved! Jane Egginton has had 20 years worth of experience writing and editing in the travelling field. Some of the travel guides she has edited and written in include Dorling Kindersley, Thomas Cook and Michelin. She also spent four years in house at Readers Digest. Suffice to say she has had a lot of travelling experience and knows her stuff! I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to ask her some questions, so here they are. Also check out her travel blog here (I love it!) - http://www.travelwriteruk.blogspot.com/ and follow her on twitter here - http://twitter.com/#!/janeegginton. Thank you Jane!

Holly - I've just arrived in Thailand what's the first thing I should do?

Jane Egginton - I would jump in a tuk tuk, whizzing round the traffic clogged streets, this always gives me a real buzz. Then, pull up at a street stall and tuck into some freshly cooked, delicious local food.

H - Thailand is known for it's food, what's good to eat there and any favourite meal you've had there?

JE - I love it all. The fresh fish, cooked in delicate spices, the chilli infused noodle soups, crunchy pad thai...

H - For you does Thailand mean party party or rest and relaxation (or both?!)?

JE - I was never one for those full moon parties, but I love to languish on the white sand beaches and usually find myself having a massage every night - they are a steal and some of the best in the world

H - How would you sum up Thailand in three words?

JE - Smiling, spicy, beautiful

H - What attracted you to South America?

JE - The language (I wanted to improve my Spanish, but couldn't communicate in Spain - Latin Americans are so much more patient), the landscapes - the variety - from beaches and desert to rainforest and mountains is astounding.

H - What are some of your favourite places, things to do or experiences in South America?

JE - I love the desert in Bolivia, which also has a fascinating indigenous population. Colombia is extraordinary and I got married on the beach on its Caribbean coast. My favourite is Brazil. The people are so open (they call us 'fechado' - closed).

H - What's unique about Brazil?

JE - Well, they speak Portuguese, unlike the rest of South America, but what really hits you is the personality of its population. Just go - you will understand what I mean.

H - What are your essentials when setting out on a new trip?

JE - I am not a great planner, but I always carry my iphone with me to be connected to the world.

H - Finally for you, what's the best thing about travelling?

JE - Meeting other people and learning about the world.

A Taste of Spain

As the Taste of Spain (www.atasteofspain.co.uk) kicks off in London on Sunday, consider the little island of Lanzarote, one of the smallest of the Canary Islands, which has a reputation of being brash and, well, not very nice. Monty Python man Michael Palin with his ‘Lanzagrotty’ tag is to blame, but many locals are actually grateful that his description has kept so many potential holidaymakers away, claiming it has helped to preserve the local traditions.

There is an authenticity about life in Lanzarote, more than in many places in Spain. Although undeniably popular as a tourist destination, the island remains essentially rural and was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993. With less rainfall than the scorching Sahara desert and year-round sun, the lovely island of Lanzarote is often mistaken for a barren landscape sprouting nothing but volcanoes. Yet, a huge variety of food is grown here, in the same way as it has been for hundreds of years, using simple and largely organic farming methods. Vines for the surprisingly good Malvasia wine, corn and sweet potatoes are amongst the bumper crops.

Read the full article at http://www.cd-traveller.com/2011/06/03/a-taste-of-lanzarote/

London's Vertical Gateway

Hotel Verta on the Thames waterfront in Battersea was built in 2010 as part of the regeneration of a rather forgotten corner of London. The hotel, which unashamedly declares it is for the elite, is bang next door to London's only heliport and part of what has been dubbed 'London's Vertical Gateway'.

I had some difficulty finding the hotel (few cab drivers seem to know where it is yet), but was immediately soothed by the restful interior that is decidedly modern but featuring rich pickings related to the area’s heritage. I loved the decidedly decadent suite but I have to say I didn't spend too much time in my room – I was just too busy eating.

Although I did begin my visit to the spa where I was looked after by the lovely Leila and sipped ginseng flower tea complete with petals. I normally resist a facial, but I went for the 'signature sweet option' which was superb and as relaxing as a massage. Unusually, I was given lots of tips to take home, with foundation and toner recommendations and a bagful of goodies for me and my husband.

I would go as far as to say the eating experience here is outstanding. I say eating experience, because it is not just the food that is enjoyable, but the atmosphere of the restaurant, the service (which is charming yet relaxed) and very importantly – the choice of food.

My husband and I began at the cocktail bar which is just as a cocktail bar should be – restful, civilised but with a lovely buzz and of course serving perfect cocktails – which they were. I went for an 'Aviation' cocktail – Aviation gin, maraschino and lemon juice, although I was tempted by a 'Bramble' and tucked into wasabi nuts and olives. My husband went for a daiquiri – the classic, not the 'lady's version' he pointed out. He then went on to declare the dry martini – the cocktail by which all cocktail bars are judged – as 'faultless'.

The service was absolutely charming and very on the ball – a surprisingly rare combination, particularly in London hotels. I liked the 'lounge dining' - an all day menu and a really good one: concise, with just ten options, and all perfectly chosen. It was just the right mix of rustic and sophisticated, with dishes such as cep risotto and oak smoked salmon and soda bread. Then I saw the Jet Fuel menu (named after the heliport, my husband informed me) which is also all day (11.30am–11pm), offering mouthwatering oysters with tabasco and shallots, spiced jhinga prawns and chorizo hot dog. Oh, and they also offer afternoon tea from a very civilised 2.30pm to 6pm.

The restaurant is big but not too big and the menu very assured, with something for everyone whilst having a real focus. I like a menu that doesn't try too hard, as if the chef has something to prove. The mains are relatively pricey - around £20, although the starters averaged only around £8, including for six oysters, which is very good value. Around half the items on the menu were fishy, which suited me fine. I liked the local touches with desserts (all £7.50) featuring Battersea honey.

The breakfast menu, which was a lovely mix of traditional English and some more contemporary options, didn't disappoint. I went for the 'brain food breakfast' of smoked mackerel on wholemeal toast with poached eggs and a berry smoothie. My husband went old school with boiled eggs and soldiers. No, we didn't leave by helicopter in case you are wondering. But the chopper brought in a few lucky guests as we were having breakfast, which made an unusual and entertaining vista.

London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London, SW11 3BE
Sat Nav Ref: SW11 3RP
Tel: 020 7801 3500
www.hotelverta.com

London's Left Bank

Did you know that London has it's very own Left Bank? No, neither did I until I checked in to the Rafayel, on the Thames in Battersea and read the hotel's brochure. Hidden away about ten minutes by cab from Vauxhall Bridge, Hotel Rafayel is half way between Wandsworth and Battersea bridges. My car had broken down – which was okay as I had breakdown cover – but I had to take a taxi and my driver admitted he had never heard of the place.

My river view suite – one of 65 rooms in the hotel – was modern and felt very much like the product of a new build: slick and functional. The Banyan restaurant has an eclectic menu with – predictably given its name – an Asian bent. Starters included some failsafes such as tandoori, mixed grill gnocchi and Scottish smoked salmon, although there were a few oddities, like strawberry and feta salad. Mains included Banyan style monkfish in lime and coriander with chilli chips as well as a biryani and chicken tikka. There were plenty of nods to British cuisine in choices such as Angus fillet steak with shitake mushrooms and potato rocket puree and good old fish and chips.

I was delighted by the people who worked at the Rafayal: the driver, the concierge and the fairy cake maker. Aman, a 17 year old from Afghanistan, who picked me up at the station (this service is available to anyone on request) was absolutely charming. Errol, the concierge, was warm, smiley and informative and even Adam the master cake maker stopped to chat with me about my stay.

Rafayel on the Left Bank

34 Lombard Rd - London SW11 3RF
Adjacent to London Heliport
Tel. +44 (0)20 7801 3600,
www.hotelrafayel.com

Sublime Spa in Spain

‘How are you today?’ asks the pretty girl behind reception of SHA spa as we enter the gleaming reception. Putin’s wife stayed here the previous week, with rather more glamorous recent visitors including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. Nearby Benidorm where Brits flood in daily for all inclusive holidays in the sun is a world away.


My best friend and I had loaded our suitcases with books, magazines and even our laptops, imagining we might get bored, but our days were varied and full. We became obsessed with our schedule, poring over it’s every detail. Every morning at 8am we walked to the beach or the lighthouse before breakfast. We went to talks on nutrition, had lessons in macrobiotic cooking and even took part in a tea ceremony. Early evening, it was yoga, tai chi or meditation. This was interspersed with daily massage, flotarium sessions, and acupuncture. The evening saw dancing classes, or a showing of a film – on Chinese healing, perhaps, or something more mainstream such as Super Size me in the library.


That afternoon, as we take a long walk along the beach of Altea, not a million miles from Benidorm, with smiling Eliza from guest relations, we realise we don’t really know what macrobiotic food is. Eliza tells us enthusiastically how she has changed her diet as a result of working at SHA, even giving up yoghurt, which is practically a Bulgarian national dish. We are surprised to hear that tomatoes, for example, are not macrobiotic and learn that daikon, a Japanese vegetable that absorbs fat and is full of minerals is very important in macrobiotic cooking.

I am enthralled by our afternoon cookery lesson. Not, I have to say, by the recipe of stir-fried vegetables with smoked mint, but by our teacher, Pablo Montaro Fernández the head chef who is, well – dishy. Pablo has his own vegetarian restaurant in Alicante but admits it is a challenge to create menus that are both gastronomic and healthy. Also, with menus effectively decided by ‘Doctor Ken’, he has limited scope for creativity.


Dr. Ken’s suggestion to eat local, seasonal foods according to the environment you are in makes sense to me. So, for example, only eat tropical fruit when you are in the tropics. The majority of people come to SHA for weight loss, to detox, de-stress and to give up smoking. According to Ken, one of the most important thing we can do is detox from sugar and butter – even if you don’t eat much of them, they are in so many foods already.

I loved the menu but for someone who doesn’t eat fish, or vegetarians, there is very little on offer, and because the menu doesn’t change, by the third day it had become a bit samey. But I was happy to have the prawn carpaccio on a big bed of rocket ringed by fine parmesan shavings several times during my stay as it was outstanding.

SHA Spa
Verderol 5 El Albir 03581 Alicante Spain
Tel. 0034 966 811 199
www.shawellnessclinic.com
Under the SHA foundation a percentage of income from SHA spa is used to support Latin America’s most deprived children.

Spas in Spain (SIS)
Tel. 0034 689 073 451
www.spa-in-spain.com
Spas in Spain offer an online booking service, for which there is no charge, for spas throughout mainland Spain and the islands. You
can search by area, hotel or category (for example, spas for men, city spa breaks and week-long ayurvedic holidays). The owners, who offer a conscientious service, have personal knowledge of mainland Spain, and the hotels, treatments and packages offered on the site.

SHA is a Healing Hotel which has properties all over the world.

Lanzarote, local style

Should I keep this a secret? Well, maybe, but I am not going to. I love Lanzarote. Yes, Mr Michael Palin called it grotty, but I have found his take on other cultures (since the Life of Brian, that is), well, rather patronising and often off the mark. Lanzarote is beautiful (yes, the interior is mostly desert, but I like that), many of the beaches deserted and almost all of the buildings are low rise. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this little island just a few hour's away by plane from the UK produces some very decent wine and, very importantly, particularly at this time of the year, boasts year round sunshine. In fact, thinking about it, I am going to look at flights to Lanzarote now. Seriously. Should you want to follow in my footsteps, here are some of my insider recommendations to enjoy a little of Lanzarote like a local.

1) Visit the little farmers market at Mancha Blancha on a Sunday. This is very much a local's market, selling only food, but there is a lovely variety: big sacks of dried anchovies, local wine in unlabelled bottles that has to be worth a try at just 3 euros each and fresh herbs and fig jam. Perfect if you are self catering, want to put together a beach picnic, or even for souvenirs.

2) Rather than take your children to one of the expensive, zoo-like theme parks on the island, I recommend you visit Pardelas Nature Park (www.pardelas-park.com) which offers an altogether more local experience. Kids can actually interact with the animals, rather than just looking at them in cages, learn about the local flora and fauna, and even try their hand at pottery.

3) I would always suggest trying to arrange your trip to see the Fiesta Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores in September – Lanzarote's most colourful festival is a wonderful mix of folklore, history and fun. It is a delightful insight into local life, during which islanders, many of them dressed in traditional costumes, make a pilgrimage from all over Lanzarote to give thanks to the Virgen de los Dolores, the patron saint of Lanzarote and the 'Lady of the Volcanoes'. Travelling on foot with donkeys and camels pulling carts laden with food and drink, the processions are a wonderful sight, ending at the church in the tiny village of Mancha Blanca.

If you are after the latest, up to date information about the island, make sure to look at www.lanzaroteguidebook.com It really is comprehensive and in-depth and one of the best online guides I have read.